MotorwayItaly
Traffic rules
Italy
2. Motorway
A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.
Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • CAPTAIN_RAJU • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to a motorway in Italy?
The Italian term is autostrada. A strada extraurbana principale is a separate main-road category; many access rules overlap, but speed limits differ.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 2, 117, 141–143, 175–176
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 175
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 176
Start of a motorway.
English • Traffic sign II.345 — blue background • Beginning of a principal extra-urban road. The symbol on a blue background marks the beginning of a principal extra-urban road. The same symbol has a green background for a motorway.
Italiano • Figura II.345 — fondo blu • Inizio strada extraurbana principale. Il simbolo con fondo blu indica l’inizio di una strada extraurbana principale. Per l’autostrada lo stesso simbolo ha fondo verde.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 135, comma 23
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.345 — fondo blu • pagina 322
SVG source: ColdShine • Public domain • Original revision 2023-09-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
End of the motorway.
English • Traffic sign II.346 — blue background • End of a principal extra-urban road. The crossed-out symbol on a blue background marks its end. The motorway version has a green background.
Italiano • Figura II.346 — fondo blu • Fine strada extraurbana principale. Il simbolo barrato con fondo blu indica la fine di una strada extraurbana principale. La variante relativa all’autostrada ha fondo verde.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 135, comma 23
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.346 — fondo blu • pagina 322
SVG source: ColdShine • Public domain • Original revision 2023-11-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.
What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in Italy?
For an ordinary car, the normal motorway maximum is 130 km/h, reduced to 110 km/h during precipitation. During the first three years with a category B licence, the maximum is 100 km/h. A higher limit applies only where legally authorised and signed; follow the actual signs.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 2, 117, 141–143, 175–176
Can pedestrians and bicycles use an Italian motorway?
Ordinary pedestrian and bicycle traffic is prohibited, along with several slow or unsuitable vehicle categories. Pedestrians may use service and rest areas, and may walk along an emergency lane only to reach a help point. Motorcycles and other motor vehicles must meet the applicable vehicle and rider admission conditions.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 2, 117, 141–143, 175–176
What should I do if I miss a motorway exit in Italy?
Continue to the next exit and choose a safe onward route. Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the central reservation to return to a missed exit.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 2, 117, 141–143, 175–176
